Top 10 High-Paying Places to Be a Server & Make the Most Money Fast

In this article, we’ll explore the six best places to be a Server, so you can find the perfect spot to excel in your career.

Best Places to Be a Server in the U.S.

Serving is one of the most dynamic and rewarding jobs in the hospitality industry, offering flexibility, great earning potential and opportunities to work in vibrant dining scenes. However, where you work can significantly impact your income and job satisfaction. Factors like cost of living, minimum wage laws and customer tipping habits can make some cities far better for servers than others.

Whether you’re looking for high wages, bustling restaurants, or strong job growth, this guide highlights some of the best places in the U.S. to be a Server.

1. Fine dining restaurants

Most Servers want to work in fine dining restaurants, and with good reason. These restaurants generally have an upscale clientele, which means that tips will be more generous. The menu prices are also high, which usually results in a better Server salary. 

Not only that — fine dining restaurants often provide their employees with comprehensive benefits. These often include health insurance, paid time off, retirement plan, free uniforms and shift meals, flexible schedule, employee discounts and training.

The training Servers receive in upscale restaurants is often extensive, but it can set them up for long-term success in the industry.

In addition to good pay and perks, fine dining restaurants offer a classy, upscale work environment, which is perfect if you enjoy delivering top-notch service.

2. Country clubs and private members’ clubs

If you prefer an easy-going yet refined environment, country clubs and private members’ clubs are great choices. These places are less crowded, the pace is slower and customers are generally more polite as these are mostly members who visit regularly.

One of the biggest advantages of working at a country club is the sense of community and the ability to build long-term relationships with members. As a lot of guests who come are regulars, you’ll get to know them and learn their preferences. This will help you provide a better service and earn higher tips. 

What’s more, country clubs and private members’ clubs often host special events like weddings, golf tournaments and banquets. These could give you the chance to earn extra, whether through additional shifts, tips or both.

Finally, country clubs often have set hours for events, dining and member services. This means that Server schedules are more predictable compared to traditional restaurants where shifts can vary based on business hours, late nights and fluctuating customer demand. 

Consequently, this regularity helps employees maintain a more consistent routine and achieve better work-life balance.

3. Mid-range, multi-unit restaurants

If you feel like upscale establishments aren’t the right fit for you, consider casual dining chains and independent multi-location restaurants.

Even though the ambiance is less refined and salaries are sometimes lower compared to fine dining, these establishments can still offer rewarding opportunities. Most importantly, they tend to be consistent in their policies and shifts, which can provide a sense of security.

Another big advantage of working in mid-range restaurants is the opportunity for growth. These types of establishments often have structured training programs that can help you move up through the ranks and quickly go from Server to Shift Supervisor or even Assistant Restaurant Manager.

Also, when working with multi-unit restaurants, you often get the option to transfer between different store locations. This is great if you need to relocate or want a change of environment without losing your job or starting over.

4. Specialty restaurants

Applying for a Server job at a specialty restaurant is a great idea if you’re looking for a unique experience or want to develop your skills in a niche market. Whether it’s a steakhouse, seafood, vegan or ethnic restaurant offering traditional dishes, you will serve a niche clientele that appreciates the specialized menu and personalized service.

One of the perks of working in specialty dining spots is the opportunity to learn about specific cuisines and service styles that often involve unique and visually appealing techniques. This is especially beneficial for servers looking to expand their culinary knowledge or transition into a cook role.

Additionally, specialty restaurants also tend to have repeat customers that keep coming back because they love the food and experience. Those customers are then more likely to leave larger tips.

5. Catering companies

If you need a little more variety in your work on a day-to-day basis, look into serving for catering companies. Since catering companies are hired for all types of events, you’ll get to work in many different settings. These settings can range from weddings and fundraisers and seminars to sporting events, product launches and private parties.

One of the biggest advantages of working in catering is the flexibility it offers. Since most events are scheduled ahead of time, you can often pick up shifts that fit your schedule. Moreover, the tips can add up quickly because events often come with larger group sizes.

6. Hotel restaurants

Hotel restaurants are another one of the best places to work as a Server. This is especially the case for higher-end hotels which attract affluent travelers along with business clients: customers who understand the value of personalized service and tip accordingly. 

One of the best things about working in a hotel restaurant is the benefits package. Full-time employees sometimes get benefits including health insurance, paid time off, retirement plans and discounts on rooms at other hotels within the chain. 

Furthermore, hotel restaurants are known for high standards of service and a great place to hone Server skills. You’ll work closely with a professional kitchen team and gain valuable experience in delivering top-notch dining experiences and handling a high volume of orders efficiently.

10 Best Places in the US to Work as a Server

Now that we’ve explored some of the best places to work as a Server, let’s look at the areas and cities where you can find these opportunities. The location of your job can significantly impact your earnings and job satisfaction. 

That said, check out the table below for a list of top-paying U.S. states and districts for Servers:

State/District	Average annual salary*	Best Cities
District of Columbia	$44,915	Washington, D.C.
Massachusetts	$44,258	Boston; Cambridge; Worcester
Rhode Island	$43,865	Providence; Warwick; Cranston
Vermont	$43,578	Burlington; South Burlington; Montpelier
Connecticut	$43,455	Hartford; Stamford; New Haven
Maine	$42,551	Portland; Bangor; Augusta
Nebraska	$41,088	Omaha; Lincoln; Bellevue
Virginia	$40,691	Richmond; Virginia Beach; Arlington
New York	$39,573	New York City; Buffalo; Rochester
Maryland	$39,466	Baltimore; Silver Spring; Bethesda

* Calculated using our salary estimate methodology

Emerging Cities for Servers

While traditional metropolitan areas have long been favored by servers, several emerging cities are becoming attractive due to their growing economies and expanding culinary scenes:

• Flagstaff, Arizona: Known for its hiking and craft brews, Flagstaff boasts a thriving food scene with plentiful job opportunities for servers. The mean hourly wage is around $13 and the cost of living is on par with the national average.
• Raleigh-Durham-Chapel Hill, North Carolina: This region has been highlighted as a top choice for recent graduates due to competitive wages and high hiring rates, contributing to a vibrant dining scene.

Exploring opportunities in these emerging cities can offer a balance between earnings and quality of life.

Best States for Server Job Growth

As the restaurant industry continues to evolve, some states are experiencing faster growth in food service employment than others.

• Texas: Major cities like Austin and Dallas have seen rapid expansion in the hospitality industry.
• Florida: With year-round tourism, server jobs in Miami and Orlando remain in high demand.
• Arizona: Phoenix has a growing number of high-end restaurants, creating new opportunities for servers.
• Colorado: The Denver area continues to add restaurants, bars, and breweries at a fast pace.

Choosing a state with strong job growth can improve job stability and earnings potential.

Factors to Consider When Choosing a City to Serve

When deciding where to work as a server, it’s essential to consider various factors that can impact your experience and earnings:

• Cost of Living: A higher wage may be offset by a high cost of living. Cities like San Francisco and Seattle offer higher median hourly incomes for servers but also have elevated living expenses.
• Job Availability: Metropolitan areas in Washington state, such as Seattle-Tacoma-Bellevue, have a significant number of restaurant job opportunities, with the Seattle metro alone accounting for a large proportion of jobs.
• Customer Demographics: Serving in cities with a high influx of tourists or business travelers can lead to higher tips. For instance, Orlando, Florida, and Las Vegas, Nevada, are known for their vibrant tourism industries.
• Minimum Wage Laws: Some cities have higher minimum wages for tipped employees, which can significantly affect your base earnings.

Considering these factors can help you make an informed decision about where to pursue a serving position.

Best Places To Be a Server: Conclusion

Ultimately, the best place to be a Server (or Waitress) will come down to what you value personally, your career goals, and the kind of lifestyle you want to have outside of work. With the right environment and support, you’ll be set to thrive and enjoy a fulfilling career as a Server.